Kuala lumpur: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) aims to strengthen its strategic collaboration with media organisations to ensure that fact-based information and university research findings are communicated to the public more effectively.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said close cooperation between the university and the media is essential to accurately disseminate authentic information, research findings, and academic expertise for the benefit of society.

He noted the increasing challenges higher education institutions face from inaccurate allegations and criticism that could undermine their reputation and erode public confidence built over many years. Prof Dr Mohd Shafry emphasised the importance of media ties to enable prompt communication of fact-based explanations to the public, as evidenced during the University Management's Media Networking Session.

Also present at the event were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and its Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service), Harlina Samson.

Prof Dr Mohd Shafry highlighted UTM's readiness to share its expertise with media practitioners by organising training programmes on artificial intelligence (AI) and providing access to its professors and subject-matter experts as reference sources. This initiative aims to support more accurate and high-quality reporting.

He further mentioned that the university is developing mechanisms to enhance the dissemination of its research findings and innovations through the media. Prof Dr Mohd Shafry expressed hope that the continued collaboration would strengthen Malaysia's higher education ecosystem while further enhancing UTM's standing on the global stage.